I'm doing the blog today because Katie has been deeply engrossed in top secret meetings about the ITV Feelgood Factor award. Our nominee will be announced on Friday -- and the overall winner will be announced at next month's Pride of Britain ceremony. Katie reckons we could have the overall winner in our midst!
So far this week, we've profiled two of London Tonight's shortlisted nominees, another one on the show tonight. All, of course, would be thoroughly deserving of the gong but we can only put one forward so the panel have a tough decision to make. Just so that you know, I've been trying to get the inside track on who might get the nod. I've made the tea and am currently considering a trip to the vending machine to get Katie a Mars Bar (she has somewhat of a weakness for them) but so far she remains tight-lipped. Actually, I don't think a final decision has yet been made. I reckon she's just holding out for free confectionery!
Right, to business: First tonight we have more on the E.coli outbreak at a Surrey Farm Park and an admission from senior health officials that they may have got it wrong. The head of the Health Protection Agency has admitted that Godstone Farm may have stayed open for longer than was safe. He's now apologised to the parents of the children infected, but that will be of little consolation to mums like Tracy Mock, whose twins Aaron and Todd are still seriously ill in hospital. Phil Bayles has our top story.
We've also got the news that Chelsea Football Club are parting company with chief executive Peter Kenyon. On the face of it, it sounds like a bit of a 'so what' story, but Peter Kenyon was not only one of the most influential men at one of the world's richest clubs, he was one of the most high profile figures in world football. He was at the top table of Chelsea (and previously Manchester United) at a time when football went through massive change - not all of it for the good, some would argue. Details about why he's leaving are sketchy, but he's seen the club through a number of recent controversies. Ben Scotchbrook has the task of trying to get more information. And as a former sports reporter, I know that won't be easy!
Finally, I want to bring your attention to Lucy Cotter's latest exciting showbiz expose! It's been a couple of years since Mika burst onto the scene with a host of smash-hit singles and a dazzling stage swagger. Well, the flamboyant king of camp is now back with his second album....I have to confess, the boss wrote that last sentence. I'm sure it's true, but I can't lie, I'm not entirely familiar with his work. I know the singles - you probably would too if you heard them - irritatingly catchy. But I don't own the first album. Lucy says he's great though and she knows about these things so I'll take her word for it!
See you at six.
Matt and Katie.
